150-160 hp @ 5800 rpm (depending on sub-model/year)
Torque Gasoline 2.4L Na:
165-170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (depending on sub-model/year)
Displacement Gasoline 2.4L Turbo:
2.4 Liters (2429 cc)
Horsepower Gasoline 2.4L Turbo:
200-215 hp @ 5200 rpm (SRT-4 model)
Torque Gasoline 2.4L Turbo:
230-245 lb-ft @ 2200-4400 rpm (SRT-4 model)
Performance
0 60 Mph Na:
Approx. 8.5 - 9.5 seconds
0 60 Mph Turbo:
Approx. 6.0 - 6.5 seconds (SRT-4)
Fuel System
Injection Type:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum (91 octane recommended for SRT-4)
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EGR system (depending on market and year)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type Na:
4-speed automatic transaxle (40TE/41TE)
Type Turbo:
5-speed manual transaxle (Getrag NVG-56LC, specifically for SRT-4)
Optional
Type Manual Na:
5-speed manual transaxle (NV3500 or similar for some 2.4L NA models)
Features
Automatic Control:
Electronic control unit (ECU) for shift scheduling and diagnostics
Clutch Type Manual:
Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (check specific manual for exact specs)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 166.7 inches
Width:
Approx. 67.7 inches
Height:
Approx. 63.5 inches
Wheelbase:
Approx. 105.1 inches
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x100 mm
Tire Size Standard:
205/55R16 (typical)
Tire Size Sport:
215/45R17 (GT) or 225/40R18 (SRT-4)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approx. 13.4 cu ft
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
Approx. 36.7 cu ft
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3000 - 3300 lbs (depending on trim and engine)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 3800 - 4000 lbs
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (2001-2004 models, likely similar for later)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (2001-2004 models)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Acceptable (earlier models, updates may apply)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard on most models (4-wheel disc on higher trims/SRT-4, rear drum on base models)
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, standard on SRT-4
Electronic Stability Control Esc:
Optional on some models
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Standard advanced front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional Infinity premium audio system, optional satellite radio.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on some higher trims.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Rear Parking Sensors:
Optional on some models.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack available on later models.
Bluetooth:
Optional Uconnect Bluetooth hands-free system available on later models.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on oil type and driving conditions; refer to specific owner's manual for exact recommendation).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed
Spark Plug Replacement Na:
Approx. 100,000 miles (Platinum or Iridium type)
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (2.4L engines use a timing chain)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 3-5 years
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2-3 years or as recommended
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type Na:
SAE 5W-30 (API SN or newer)
Engine Oil Capacity Na:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (with filter)
Engine Oil Type Turbo:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API SN or newer, high-performance synthetic recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity Turbo:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) long-life coolant (typically orange or pink color)
Slipping, rough shifting, solenoid failures, transmission cooler line leaks.
Suspension:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings; noisy struts/shocks.
Electrical:
Window regulator failures, instrument cluster issues (dead pixels), power lock actuator failures, CAN bus communication errors.
Body:
Rattles and squeaks from interior trim; door seal degradation; occasional rust on wheel wells and rocker panels.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer:
Chrysler (part of DaimlerChrysler during much of this period)
Model Evolution
Introduction:
Introduced for the 2001 model year, the PT Cruiser was a highly anticipated retro-styled vehicle.
Updates 2005-2010:
Facelift in 2006 included revised front and rear styling, interior updates, and improved powertrains. The SRT-4 variant (until 2007) offered a significant performance upgrade.